• Patio roofs help protect you from the weather.patio image by fotogis?¡§le from Fotolia.com
  
  Patios are popular gathering places where friends and family come together to enjoy the outdoors from the comfort and safety of their own homes and gardens. However, the weather is not always cooperative and a patio without a covering is exposed to ill-timed and unwanted weather, such as rain, snow, or even excessive sun. Adding a patio roof to your patio will save you a lot of worrying about the weather and allow you to focus on enjoying your treasured patio space. There are several different patio roof styles to choose from.
  
  

Pergola Roof

• Pergolas are one of the simplest, most elegant, and most common patio roof styles. They are often made from wood such as cedar or redwood --- which are known for their resistance to weathering --- and can be sealed or stained to match whatever the surrounding exterior decor demands. Most pergolas have lattice roof structures which can then be adorned with lights, flora, and other accessories to personalize the space.
  
  Pergolas roofs are not totally covered since they have lattice structures composed of individual rafters, and therefore allow some light to pass through. This means that plants can live underneath the roof because they will get enough sunlight. On the other hand, rain and snow can still find their way through.
  
  

Plastic Roof

• Translucent plastic patio roofs are the least expensive style of patio roof. Heavy, green corrugated plastic panels are common and are often used for greenhouse roofs as well. These roofs allow light to filter in and provide ample protection from the elements, but they can eventually begin to dry rot from overexposure to the sun.
  
  

Fiberglass Roof

• Fiberglass patio roofs are similar to plastic patio roofs in that they are corrugated and allow sunlight to penetrate while still providing protection from the elements. Fiberglass roofing is lightweight and strong and available in a variety of colors depending on your decorating needs.
  
  

Vinyl Awning Roof

• Vinyl awning patio roofs are best in summer for protecting you from the sun and heat. They are available in many different colors, styles and sizes and are aesthetically pleasing. However, they don't hold up well under harsh weather, and they are not as permanent as other patio roofing options.
  
  

Aluminum Roof

• Aluminum roofing is very sturdy and provides complete shade to a patio space. Aluminum roofing comes in corrugated panels that overlap to create a weatherproof seal. They come in a variety of colors and can also be painted in more ornate styles such as intricate patterns or a large mural. Aluminum roofing is highly resistant to strong weather such as wind, hail and snow.
  
  

Umbrellas

• Patio umbrellas are an often-overlooked patio roof option, especially appropriate for warm weather areas where snow is not an issue. Large umbrellas provide protection from the sun, are mobile and can easily be replaced when they become worn out. They can also be closed when the weather is pleasant and you don't feel the need for a covering.